THE Bacha Khan University is spread over 200 kanals, but there were only seven to eight guards, a total of 54 who roll in shifts of 7-8 at one time.

Although the guards put up good resistance, they could have done better if they had automatic weapons and matching training. Guards must undergo rehearsals and should do routine physical training and firing practice.

Police officials had asked the university authorities to have watch towers, CCTV cameras and walk-through gates. Was any QRF (quick response force) available to move to the university. There should be adequate lights installed so that the security guards can observe suspicious movements at night. How many watch towers are available to provide observation?

The APS located on Warsk Road Peshawar, suffered heavy causalities because of the absence of an adequate number of security guards. There was also a lack of response from the quick response force, as it is within the initial 10 minutes that the most casualties are inflicted.

It highly encouraging to note that all terrorists were killed and most of the facilitators have been tracked or arrested.

Col (r) Irfan Haider
Islamabad

(2)

WE have been in a state of war for the last 15 years. It took us a long time to understand the gravity of the situation. According to Pakhtun culture, we are in a state of enmity. The sooner we understand this fact the better it would be.

The new asymmetric warfare has made every member of our society vulnerable. We have to raise the alert level to the maximum to enable every member of society to act as an effective intelligence-gathering tool. Any unusual activity should be swiftly reported to the nearest police station as well as the army emergency centres.

Every member of society has to be watchful. Besides reporting about terrorist activities, we must report the slackness in the performance of duty by security forces to keep them on their toes. A guard/policeman must remain focused and alert while doing his duty.

Maj (r) Fakharejehan Khan
Rawalpindi

(3)

WAR against terrorism in Pakistan will only be won when we reach out to every young person’s mind with good education, and heart with the love for humanity.

If we want to root out the menace of terrorism, young people, including those who are educated, but are ready to use violence or are slowly drifting away from society, must be stopped before they are recruited to terrorism.

Youngsters who believe in peace have to come forward to play their crucial and positive role along with the government, forces and the rest of civil society.

We have to develop our country and simultaneously address all the causes of terrorism.

Extremism has to be renounced at all costs, radicalism eradicated and sectarian violence stopped if this country and its people are to have a bright future.

Bilal Masood
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2016